Sustainable Beef

Cattle is raised in some of the most fragile natural areas on Earth, such as the Amazon, East Australia, the Cerrado, and the Northern Great Plains. When done improperly, beef production can have serious impacts on ecosystems. With demand for beef set to rise, the question is how to satisfy growing demand with beef produced in a sustainable way.

Local practices, downstream impacts

Take the Great Barrier Reef catchment. Seventy-five percent of that area is used for cattle ranching, and there is evidence that the intensity of the industry is increasing erosion, which results in reefs being damaged. This further weakens these sensitive ecosystems, which are already under considerable stress from climate change.

A better way to raise cattle

We need to raise cattle in a way that minimises our impact to the environment. Many cattle farmers are showing that this is possible. For example, when properly managed, grazing can maintain the health of grasslands and support the diversity of species that grow there. Done well, this does not mean less income for farmers, but more. Beef production can also reduce poverty and contribute to vibrant communities.

Our approach

We envision a world where all beef is raised in a way that is environmentally, socially and economically sustainable. To do this, we work with input suppliers, producers and buyers (processors and retailers for example) to improve the sustainability of beef production. In 2010, we helped establish the Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, which brings together more than 70 of the biggest players and specialists in the industry together with civil society represented by NGOs like WWF.

The goal is to define sustainable beef so that countries, regions, and even specific groups can develop their programs based on their localized needs to improve the sustainability of their beef production. And many have already started on that journey, such as the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef.

But it's not just about how beef, and animal protein more broadly, are produced - we also need to think about how much we waste.

It’s estimated that 40% of all the food produced in the world is wasted and with beef it is no different.

We are working with members of the beef supply chain and the wider community to find ways to reduce waste and over consumption of animal protein to levels recommended by health authorities and nutritional experts.

WWF Targets

2020: 10% of global beef production is certified sustainable

Progress

The Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef was created in 2010. Principles and Criteria for beef standards have been developed.

CASE STUDY: Dealing with the effects of overgrazing

In Brazil, raising cattle is the single biggest threat to the Amazon rainforest.

Supported by WWF-Brazil and Embrapa Beef Cattle (part of the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture), rancher Thimoteo Lobreiro is tackling soil erosion and make his business more sustainable.

At his farm in the Cerrado, Thimoteo grows microorganisms which, when sprayed on to fields, restore soil fertility. He also gives his grass a break and the chance to regenerate by regularly rotating cattle.

As a result, Thimoteo doesn’t have to spend so much on chemical fertilizer, weed killer, expensive seeds and cattle feed. So, while his productivity is higher, his costs are around 40% lower than on conventional ranches. His meat also tastes better.

CONTEXT

Water and air pollution; Impacts from feed production (grass versus grain-fed);

Indigenous livelihoods tied to beef production.

Opportunities

Reduced greenhouse gas emissions;

Conservation;

Improved food safety and nutrition.

Be part of the solution

► Companies, financial sector leaders, policy makers and NGOs are already working with WWF to make beef production better. Join them in the Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, and do your part.

► Eat smart – if you buy beef, buy sustainably-produced beef and let your retailer know that you prefer sustainably-produced beef. This will help catalyse action, inform the process and contribute to the development and uptake of better production methods.

Priority Countries

Trends

Demand Drivers
Income, population, consumption

Future focus for success
Continued work in Brazil, Australia and the USA – major producing countries – are of particular importance. India, which is projected to be the largest exporter of beef in 2012, and China, due to its increasing production and consumption of beef, are also important.